What are the gear positions of the BMW M8?
2 Answers
In terms of transmission types, there are three types of vehicles on the market: manual transmission, automatic transmission, and semi-automatic transmission. An automatic transmission does not require shifting gears while driving. Generally, the gear positions of an automatic transmission car are divided into P, R, N, D, 2 (or S), and L (or 1). P (Parking gear, starting gear): When the car is parked and not in use, the gear is in this position, which locks the mechanical wheels to prevent rolling. The car must be completely stopped before using the P gear; otherwise, the mechanical parts of the automatic transmission may be damaged. N (Neutral gear): This gear is used for temporary parking (e.g., at a red light). Note that this gear indicates neutral, and to prevent the car from rolling on a slope, the brake pedal must be pressed.
As a middle-aged man who enjoys driving for leisure, I find the gear shifts in my BMW M8 quite user-friendly. The basic gears include P (Park) for stopping, which locks the wheels securely; R (Reverse) for backing up, paired with the rearview camera for safety and convenience; N (Neutral) occasionally used at red lights to save a bit of fuel; and D (Drive) for everyday driving, with smooth automatic shifts for hassle-free operation. Behind the steering wheel, there are paddle shifters—left for downshifting and right for upshifting—allowing manual switching between gears 1 to 8. In city traffic, I mostly use D mode for automatic shifting, while on highways or hills, manual shifting adds more excitement. BMW’s 8-speed transmission responds quickly, with seamless shifts and no fatigue even after long drives. Paired with driving modes like Comfort or Sport, the D gear’s characteristics adjust automatically, ensuring stability even in rainy conditions. Overall, the gear design is intuitive, making it easy for both beginners and experienced drivers to handle, with high practicality, smooth performance, and low maintenance for long-term use.
